The South Hayward BART/Mission Boulevard Form-Based Code became effective on October 11, 2011 and establishes updated zoning rules for properties in the area surrounding the South Hayward BART Station and nearby Mission Blvd. The new plan draws from the vision and design guidelines of the 2006 South Hayward BART/Mission Boulevard Concept Design Plan and combines the zoning regulations, subdivision standards, and design standards in one clear and concise document. The South Hayward BART/Mission Boulevard Form-Based Code better defines future development from the perspective of the community—who have made it clear what the area should look like—and from the perspective of the property owner and developer—who will be able to more clearly understand the rules and regulations.

What is a Form-Based Code?

A form-based code is a new type of zoning code that specifically addresses the important relationship between the fronts of the buildings—the building facades—and the streets, plazas and parks—the public realm—to ensure that the resulting built environment is safe, walkable and lively. As opposed to conventional zoning codes, which have historically focused on the separation of uses and thereby enabling development that requires residents to drive to all of their daily needs, form-based codes enable the development of walkable connections between homes, shops, workplaces and recreation.